How to Specify Formliners

The complete guide for architects, engineers, and DOT teams to specify concrete formliners correctly.

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Quick Answer

To specify concrete formliners correctly, architects and engineers should define the pattern, texture depth, material type, panel size, repetition requirements, and attachment method within the construction documents. Specifications must also identify whether the pattern is standard or custom, whether it requires a urethane, ABS, or single-use foam liner, the expected number of reuses, and any seam alignment requirements.

A complete formliner specification also includes the relief depth, finish quality, forming system compatibility, sample/mockup requirements, and manufacturer qualifications. For DOT or infrastructure projects, agencies must ensure the texture meets visual, durability, and constructability standards, with clear notes on panel numbering and orientation.

Customrock helps design teams specify formliners by providing technical drawings, CAD files, depth diagrams, and installation guidelines. By detailing pattern selection, material performance, and project constraints, architects ensure consistent, high-quality textured concrete results.

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What It Means to "Specify Formliners"

Specifying formliners means defining every requirement necessary for contractors to procure, install, and correctly use textured liners.

Specification Goals

  • Ensure accurate texture reproduction
  • Guarantee consistency across multiple pours
  • Control aesthetics, depth, and alignment
  • Reduce RFIs, errors, and avoid substitutions

9 Key Elements to Include

Every complete formliner specification should include these essential components.

1

Pattern Selection

Specify standard texture (stone, wood, brick, ribbed, geometric) or custom artwork, murals, branding elements.

Include: Pattern name, number, and manufacturer

2

Texture Depth / Relief

Define minimum and maximum depth, seam locations, and repeat pattern orientation.

Note: Deep textures may require adjustments to vibration and mix design

3

Material Type

Specify material: Urethane (multi-use, flexible, durable), ABS (economical, moderate reuse), or Single-use foam (DOT, cost-effective).

Include: Material thickness, reuse expectations, site compatibility

4

Panel Size & Layout

Define maximum panel size, panel numbering, seam alignment strategy, and horizontal vs. vertical orientation.

Critical for: Pattern continuity and visual consistency

5

Project Application

Identify installation type: Cast-in-place vertical, cast-in-place horizontal, precast manufacturing, or GFRC.

Different applications require different liner designs

6

Attachment Method

Specify contractor installation requirements: screws, adhesives, proprietary framing, or backer panels.

Ensures: Proper liner securement and preventing voids

7

Reuse Requirements

This determines material selection: 1 use → single-use foam | 5-20 uses → ABS | 20-100+ uses → urethane

Critical for: Budget and lifecycle planning

8

Samples, Mockups, and Approvals

Require: 12"Ă—12" material samples, pre-installation mockups, sample pours (when needed), and architect/DOT approval.

Prevents: Costly rework and project delays

9

Manufacturer Qualifications

Indicate: Minimum years of experience, proven DOT or architectural performance, ability to produce custom patterns.

Customrock: 50+ years, full custom capabilities, nationwide delivery

How to Write the Specification

Follow this 6-step process for complete, accurate formliner specifications.

1

Identify Design Intent

Define pattern, style, and visual goals. Gather inspiration, reference images, and establish aesthetic direction.

2

Select Material Based on Reuse

Choose urethane for high reuse, ABS for moderate, or foam for single-use based on project scale and budget.

3

Define Technical Requirements

Include depth, panel dimensions, seam control, and installation method in construction documents.

4

Add Performance Criteria

Specify durability, temperature range, reuse expectations, and compliance requirements.

5

Require Samples & Mockups

Ensure architect can verify fidelity before production. Mandate approval checkpoints.

6

Reference Manufacturer Standards

Cite Customrock as approved supplier or "basis of design" to control quality.

Sample Specification Language

Use this template as a starting point for your construction documents.

Basis of Design – Customrock

Manufacturer: Provide concrete formliners manufactured by Customrock
Pattern: [Insert pattern name/number]
Material: Urethane / ABS / Single-use foam [select one]
Texture Depth: Minimum ___ in., Maximum ___ in.
Panel Size: ___ x ___ in. [specify dimensions]
Expected Reuses: ___ pours [specify number]
Seam Alignment: Continuous / Matched / Random [select one]
Attachment Method: Screws / Adhesive / Contractor choice [select one]
Submittals: Submit shop drawings and one 12"x12" sample for approval
Mockup: Provide [2'x2' / 4'x4'] mockup panel before production [if required]
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Benefits of Proper Specification

Architectural Benefits

  • Predictable results matching design intent
  • Enhanced visual consistency across project
  • Accurate bids and controlled substitutions
  • Reduced design-build conflicts

Contractor Benefits

  • Reduced installation errors
  • Clear expectations on reuse and panel layout
  • Fewer RFIs and change orders
  • Streamlined procurement process

DOT & Infrastructure

  • Repeatable texture across large distances
  • Reliable durability for public works
  • Consistent aesthetic standards
  • Long-term cost control

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't let these specification errors derail your project:

  • Not specifying texture depth → inconsistent visual results
  • Ignoring seam orientation → visible pattern mismatches
  • Not defining reuse requirements → wrong material selected
  • Omitting mockup requirements → costly rework
  • Allowing ambiguous "or equal" substitutions without standards
  • Skipping manufacturer qualifications → quality issues

Why Choose Customrock for Specification Support

Technical Documentation

CAD files, BIM assets, depth diagrams, and installation details ready for your construction documents.

Custom Pattern Development

Full custom design services with CNC and hand-sculpted capabilities for unique projects.

DOT-Compliant Textures

Proven formliners meeting DOT requirements for durability, depth, and repeatability.

Precision Manufacturing

Precise urethane and ABS manufacturing with strict quality control standards.

Expert Guidance

Expert consultation on installation, layout, and specification language.

50+ Years Experience

Proven industry leadership with thousands of successful architectural and DOT projects.

This makes Customrock an ideal basis-of-design manufacturer for architectural and infrastructure projects.

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Specification Requirements Summary

Specification Category What to Include Why It Matters
Pattern Selection Pattern name/number Ensures contractor orders correct liner
Texture Depth Min/max depth Prevents misalignment & visual variation
Material Type Urethane / ABS / Foam Controls durability & cost
Panel Size Dimensions & orientation Ensures seamless textures
Reuse Requirements Number of pours Determines material selection
Attachment Method Screws/adhesive Prevents site delays
Samples/Mockups Required approvals Ensures accuracy before production

Pattern Selection

What to Include: Pattern name/number

Why It Matters: Ensures contractor orders correct liner

Texture Depth

What to Include: Min/max depth

Why It Matters: Prevents misalignment & visual variation

Material Type

What to Include: Urethane / ABS / Foam

Why It Matters: Controls durability & cost

Panel Size

What to Include: Dimensions & orientation

Why It Matters: Ensures seamless textures

Reuse Requirements

What to Include: Number of pours

Why It Matters: Determines material selection

Attachment Method

What to Include: Screws/adhesive

Why It Matters: Prevents site delays

Samples/Mockups

What to Include: Required approvals

Why It Matters: Ensures accuracy before production

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I specify formliners in construction documents?

Include pattern identification, material, depth, panel size, reuse expectations, and sample/mockup requirements in your specifications.

What material should I specify?

Use urethane for multi-use projects, ABS for moderate use (5-20 pours), and foam for one-time pours or DOT projects.

Should I require a mockup?

Yes—mockups ensure correct texture depth and alignment before full production, preventing costly rework.

Can Customrock help with specification language?

Yes, Customrock provides specification text, CAD files, and design support to ensure accurate documentation.

What is the minimum information needed in a spec?

Pattern, material, panel size, texture depth, orientation, and manufacturer are the essential minimum requirements.

How do I specify custom formliners?

Include artwork, depth requirements, and fabrication method (CNC or hand-sculpted) along with manufacturer qualifications.

Do DOT projects require special specifications?

Often yes—DOTs may require depth diagrams, panel numbering, and custom QC steps for infrastructure projects.

How do I prevent substitutions?

List Customrock as basis of design and specify required performance criteria to control quality and prevent inferior substitutions.

Ready to Create Perfect Specifications?

Let Customrock's technical team help you develop complete, accurate formliner specifications for your next project.

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